September 13, 2010

A Little Less Conversation

A little more action please! Why did I choose those words? Because my cats and I have just arrived in Las Vegas. I have moved here while I get back on my feet. I'm starting over...again. But that is OK. Here is the story:

I couldn't find work in San Francisco. If you have been reading my posts, you are aware that I have been looking for some time. My unemployment ran out, my options dried up and that is that---for now. At the risk of sounding like Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, I'll be back! I once said that I followed my heart to San Francisco when I moved there, but now I have definitely left my heart in San Francisco.

How did I choose Las Vegas? One of my best friends lives here and she offered to let me stay in her spare bedroom in her condo while I get back on my feet. I can start paying her rent when I get work. And I already have a small, temporary gig lined up to get me started. My friend also has an extra car that I can use while I'm here until I can afford something of my own. Right now that car in being fixed in a repair shop and many more repairs are down the road, so I need to save for something of my own quickly or I'll just keep sinking money into repairing an old car.

I have a plan, and before you even think it, I know the old sayings about plans and intentions: "God laughs when you make a plan." or something like that. The other is "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions." Well, I'm trying not to look at it like this, but how could my good intentions make this worse? At least I am trying. I am determined to fix my life! I have a budget and a savings plan. I just need a job or two, depending how much I can make. Even if I have to work a part-time job in addition to a full-time position, it is worth every extra hour because that puts me closer to my home of San Francisco. If only I could click the heels of my ruby slippers.

Did you know there are alot of companies that have offices in both San Francisco and Las Vegas? What if I could get a job at one of them and do an internal transfer? I save for a couple of years for the move back, which would entail a hefty deposit as most San Francisco apartments require over one full month of rent, the U-Haul to drive my stuff back, and money to repurchase some the few necessities I had to leave behind when I came here. And of course, a nice safety net in my bank account.

Before I moved to San Francisco, I researched many cities across the U.S., but not once did I consider Vegas. If this had been Boston, Denver, Dallas, L.A. or any number of other locations, I would already know so much about the place that I would feel at home. But this all happened pretty quickly, so no time to really get to know this place before I arrived. That is a bit unsettling. So far, it's OK. I know once I start driving around for myself, I'll learn it quicker than riding with someone else.

And there are some good points about being here: The condos have a pool and gym, so I will be using those frequently and get into better shape. There is hiking in the desert and I can join a Meetup group and make some additional friends who are interested in going on hikes. I have also worked into my budget some entertainment money, so I can go to shows and concerts occasionally. Yes, I will be taking advantage of everything this city has to offer.

I'm a gal with a plan and that plan is to move back to San Francisco within two years. The sooner the better. I don't know how long I can live without my heart.